False Sun observed in the sky

A bright optical phenomenon known as the parhelion, or "false Sun," has been observed in the sky, appearing as two bright spots on either side of the Sun. This effect occurs when sunlight refracts through hexagonal ice crystals present in high-altitude cirrus or cirrostratus clouds.

Formation of the false Sun

These ice crystals are typically found at altitudes between 6 and 12 kilometers and do not require freezing temperatures at ground level to be visible. The bright spots can sometimes display a range of colors, from red to blue, depending on the angle of light refraction.

Part of a larger atmospheric halo family

The parhelion is part of a broader family of atmospheric halos, which also includes the 22-degree halo around the Sun, the light column, the parheliac circle, and the circumzenithal arc. To observe this phenomenon, two main conditions must be met: a low Sun on the horizon and the presence of hexagonal ice crystals in high clouds.

Behavior and appearance of the false Sun

The light is refracted at a minimal angle of approximately 22 degrees, though not all configurations will adhere precisely to this measurement. The bright spots appear at the same apparent height as the Sun and move further away as the Sun rises. According to Météo-France, these spots can be colorful, with red on the side facing the Sun and shades turning toward blue on the outer edges.

Weather implications of the false Sun

The appearance of a false Sun may indicate the approach of a weather front, as cirrostratus clouds, which are often thin and nearly imperceptible, can be the only visible sign of their presence. These clouds typically form at high altitudes and their movement can provide information about changes in weather patterns. However, it is not a guaranteed forecast of rain within 24 hours, but rather one of several indicators of potential weather changes.

Weather forecast for France in 2026

Météo-France has released a weather bulletin for the period of October, November, and December 2026, which predicts a warmer than normal autumn for mainland France and Corsica, with low pressure over the nearby Atlantic and a wetter than normal scenario, except near the Mediterranean. Some cooler episodes may still occur during these months.

Early autumn shift in France

Franceinfo has noted a clear shift toward autumn as early as Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with a change in air mass and a drop of about ten degrees in Paris between Tuesday and Thursday, with temperatures falling from 25 to 15 degrees. This suggests that the high clouds bearing parhélies may regularly appear in the sky as these weather variations occur.

False Sun as a natural indicator

The false Sun phenomenon has nothing to do with a bad omen or a simple coincidence. It is a useful reference for those who wish to read the sky without relying on a barometer, as its presence reveals the presence of ice crystals high in the atmosphere, often before more pronounced weather changes occur.